Overview:
The new for 2005 Magnum wagon is available in three trim lines. The SE comes with a 190-hp 2.7 liter V6 and rear-wheel drive. SXT models use the 3.5 liter V6 and are available with all-wheel drive. The sporty RT comes with a 340-hp 5.7 liter Hemi and your choice of rear or all-wheel drive. Our test car had the latter. All Magnums come with an automatic transmission. The small V6 has a 4-speed while the others are 5-speeds. No manual transmission is offered. Prices start at $22,020 for the SE. Strong points include strong acceleration, (Hemi) a roomy comfortable interior, excellent handling and brakes and head turning styling. Cheap-looking plastics mar an otherwise well designed interior. Options include rear load-leveling suspension, adjustable pedals, satellite radio and navigation.

Power Train:
The RT comes standard with Chrysler’s 340-hp 5.7 liter Hemi. Power is abundant at any speed. 0-60 MPH is achieved in just under 6-seconds.Four of the 8 cylinders are de-activated at light acceleration and highway speeds in an effort to save fuel. The system works by closing all valves eliminating combustion. EPA fuel economy ratings for the Hemi are 17 city and 24 highway. I averaged around 19 on an extended drive to Wyoming. To be fair I was driving 80 to 85 MPH under mostly windy conditions and I had my dad’s welder in the cargo hold. The Magnum loves to be driven fast with the big hemi loafing along at low RPM even at 80 MPH. The smooth 5-speed features a manual shift gate for do it your self shifting.

The Magnum is one of the few vehicles I’ve driven that didn’t down shift while in cruise, even on relatively steep grades. It’s just flies over hills effortlessly. Acceleration from a standing stop is respectable but not as neck-snapping as I expected. This may be due to the vehicles 4, 336 heft. Once underway, the Hemi pulls strong. People will want to race you. Unless they are driving something like a Corvette or a Mustang they will be disappointed with the results. I was happy to have the AWD as I encountered late May snow and ice along the way. Foot-deep snow was no problem for the Magnum. It’s a great Colorado car.

Ride/Handling:
The stiffer suspension of the RT has some jiggle to it over rough roads but overall Dodge has done an excellent job of balancing sporty handling and a good ride. Body roll is minimal. This car handles much like a European sports sedan. This could well be due to the Mercedes supplied 4-wheel independent suspension. The rack and pinion steering is responsive with good road feel. Meaty 60 series 18” tires aid in handling but do produce some road noise. Stability control and electronic brake assistance are standard along with performance 4-wheel disc brakes. Those brakes, by the way, are among the best I’ve used. Nice to have on such a fast car. The Magnum I drove had the optional towing package and a load-leveling suspension with height control. Towing is rated at 3800 lbs with the tow package. A tight 38 foot turning diameter makes parking a snap.

On the Inside:
Dodge has done an excellent job of laying out the dash and positioning the controls. The only negative is with the grade of materials used. The plastic looks a little cheap for a $36,000 car in my opinion. Leather is standard on the RT, available on the other models. The 8-way power driver’s seat is exceptionally comfortable affording a good view of the road. The front passenger seat is power too. In spite of the Magnums ‘chopped’ exterior styling, the magnum is not terribly difficult to see out of. There is a bit of a blind spot to the right rear but I didn’t find it to be a big issue. You will want to use the power heated folding mirrors for a better view of traffic. The interior is very spacious even in the rear seat where adults will find good legroom. Front seating is roomy for driver and passenger. The rear seats fold flat for extra cargo room, 71.6 feet to be exact. A roof rack is optional and includes a rear cargo organizer.

The standard 6-speaker Boston Acoustics audio system is outstanding. Sirus satellite radio made the Wyoming trip go by a lot faster. Our test car had Navigation, a $1,895 option. It worked well once you got the hang of it. Another option was the Convenience group 2 which included 2-zone temp control and heated front seats along with power-adjustable pedals. Overall, the Magnum is a comfortable and practical car to drive. There is some wind noise and when you get on the Hemi you’ll hear it roar. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, right?

Safety Features:
Besides the afore mentioned ABS, and stability control, the Magnum offers traction control and of course, all-wheel drive. Side Curtain airbags are optional. The front airbags are of the multi-stage variety for safer deployment.
Child seat upper tether anchors are standard as is the Sentry key theft deterrent system. The Magnum earned a 5-star crash rating from the National Highway safety administration.

Bottom Line:
The magnum sets a new standard for American wagons. Besides being practical it’s a blast to drive. Poor fuel economy is the penalty you pay for performance. It’s a trade off. One I would gladly accept in this sporty modern day muscle car. This is a special car. One that is destined to be a classic.

Tom Collins
6-23-05
AM 760 Radio Denver